Can Get ( ActiveSelectionStart ) display dynamically?

Hi all. I'm trying to understand get functions such as Get ( ActiveSelectionStart ) and Get ( ActiveSelectionSize ).

If I create calculation fields using these Get functions and place them on a layout, they do not dynamically display the info for what I have currently selected.

However, I can set number fields with the correct info if the functions are included in a button script.

If I set $$globals via script and display them as merge fields, they are apparently not retained and are incorrect.

Script triggers such as OnObjectKeystroke seem to operate strangely. Eg, if I insert the cursor at the beginning of the field and keystroke down, ActiveSelectionStart = 1, but ActiveSelectionSize = 0. If I then keystroke down again, the size displays acccurately.

My questions are: 1) Is there a technique that will display these functions dynamically; and 2) Is there an explainer or discussion somewhere for understanding the exact details of how these functions operate: the when, how, why, etc? Thanks!

Calculation fields update when a referenced field is modified or - if they are unstored - when the screen refreshes. User modifying a selection in a field is a non-event for this purpose. The Data Viewer may be a better tool to observe these values in real time.

If you insert the cursor at the beginning of a field but do not select any characters, then ActiveSelectionStart = 1 and ActiveSelectionSize = 0 represent correctly the situation. Keep in mind that a script triggered by a keystroke is executed before the keystroke.

Calculation fields update when a referenced field is modified or - if they are unstored - when the screen refreshes. User modifying a selection in a field is a non-event for this purpose. The Data Viewer may be a better tool to observe these values in real time.

If you insert the cursor at the beginning of a field but do not select any characters, then ActiveSelectionStart = 1 and ActiveSelectionSize = 0 represent correctly the situation. Keep in mind that a script triggered by a keystroke is executed before the keystroke.